DISPATCH for September 19, 2014 (Friday ), 7 Weather Watch , 6 Regional Watch , 20 Online News(Sept. 18) ,103 Photonews(Sept. 19) ,

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Status Update

By Weather Watch

NDRRMC Executive Director Alexander Pama on DZMM:

Re: Update on effects of TS Mario

-Ilang araw na nating mino-modelling at sini-simulate 'yan.
-Noong bagyong Luis pa binabantayan na natin ang mga dam at river.
-May mga unit na tayong corresponding sa mga 'yan.
-Doon sa Central Luzon, wala pa po tayong natatanggap na ulat ngunit ina-anticipate na natin maging sa Southern Tagalog.
-Sa ngayon kasama ang Southern Tagalog sa mga binabantayan. Kaaalis lang ni (AFP Chief) Gen. Catapang dito at nag-preposition na sila.
-Ang pinakapapel natin dito is coordination, synchronization.
-Yung mga major services natin nakaantabay na rin po 'yan.

Status Update

By Weather Watch

PIA-1/PANGASINAN: Work in government offices has been suspended by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa today, with the exception of agencies whose work involves the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital public services. The following areas are covered by the suspension in government offices: Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Quezon (including Polillo Island), Mindoro Provinces, Camarines Norte, Marinduque and PANGASINAN. For the private sector, the discretion to suspend work lies with the individual companies and employers.

via Weather Watch   (Remove)

Statement: Suspension of work in government offices for September 19, 2014, in selected areas |...

www.gov.ph

Work in government offices has been suspended by the Executive Secretary in select areas, with the exception of agencies whose work involves the delivery of basic and health services, disaster response, and other vital public services.

Status Update

By Weather Watch

PAGASA Heavy Rainfall Warning No.5 #NCR_PRSD
Weather System: Tropical Storm MARIO
Issued at 6:00 AM September 19,2014 (Friday)

Warning Level: RED
Areas: Rizal, Bulacan and Metro Manila
Impact: SEVERE FLOODING is expected.
----------------------------
Warning Level: ORANGE
Areas: Laguna
Impact: FLOODING is THREATENING.
----------------------------
Warning Level: YELLOW
Areas: Cavite, Batangas and Quezon
Impact: : FLOODING in low-lying areas may still prevail over these areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains affecting Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Bataan and Tarlac which may persist within 3 hours.

 via Weather Watch   (Remove)

Status Update

By Dost_pagasa

WEATHER BULLETIN NUMBER SIX
TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING: TROPICAL STORM “MARIO” (FUNG-WONG)
ISSUED AT 5:00 AM, 19 SEPTEMBER 2014

TROPICAL STORM “MARIO” HAS INTENSIFIED AND SLOWED DOWN AS IT MOVES TOWARDS NORTHERN LUZON.

Location of eye/center: At 4:00 AM today, the center of Tropical Storm “MARIO” was estimated based on radar and all available data at 212 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (16.1°N, 124.1°E).

Strength: Maximum sustained winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph.

Movement: Forecast to move West Northwest at 22 kph.

Forecast Positions: Tropical Storm “MARIO” is expected to be at 91 km North Northeast of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte by tomorrow morning and at 195 km Northwest of Basco, Batanes by Sunday morning. By Monday morning, it is expected to be at 643 km North Northeast of Basco, Batanes or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

PSWS # 2 (Winds of 61-100 kph is expected in at least 24 hrs) Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan Group of Islands, Isabela, Kalinga, Apayao, Mt. Province, Abra and Ilocos Norte

PSWS #1 (Winds of 30-60 kph is expected in at least 36 hours) Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Batanes Group of Islands

• Public storms warning signals elsewhere are now lowered.

• Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under signal #2 and #1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

• Estimated rainfall amount is from 7 – 20 mm per hour (moderate - intense) within the 350 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

• The combined effect of Southwest Monsoon and TS “MARIO” will bring moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

• Fisherfolks and those with small seacrafts are advised not to venture out over the western seaboard of central Luzon, seaboards of southern Luzon and Visayas and eastern seaboard of Mindanao.

• The public and the disaster risk reduction and management council concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 AM today.

PAGASA-DOST

Status Update

By Dost_pagasa

24-Hour Public 

Weather Watch shared Dost_pagasa's status.

3 hours ago

24-Hour Public Weather Forecast
Issued at: 5:00 AM 19 September 2014

SYNOPSIS: At 4:00 am today, Tropical Storm “MARIO” was estimated based on all available data at 212 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (16.1°N, 121.1°E). With maximum winds of 85 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 100 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 22 kph.

FORECAST: The provinces of Cagayan including Calayan and Babuyan group of islands, Isabela, Kalinga, Mt. Province, Abra, Ilocos Norte and Apayao will experience stormy weather with rough to very rough seas. The provinces of Aurora, Ifugao, Nueva Viscaya, Ilocos Sur, Benguet, Quirino, La Union and Batanes group of islands will have rains with gusty winds with moderate to rough seas. Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon will be cloudy with moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides. Visayas will have cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms. Mindanao will be partly cloudy to cloudy with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms.

Moderate to strong winds blowing from the northwest to southwest will prevail over Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindano and coming from the northeast to northwest over the rest of Luzon. The coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be moderate to rough.


Over Metro Manila:

Maximum Temperature: 1:50 PM Yesterday --- 32.0 °C
Minimum Temperature: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 26.1 °C

Maximum Relative Humidity: 6:00 AM Yesterday --- 91 %
Minimum Relative Humidity: 2:00 PM Yesterday --- 66 %

High Tide Today : 5:47 PM ..... 0.97 Meter
Low Tide Tomorrow : 2:47 AM ..... 0.14 Meter

Sunrise Today : 5:45 AM
Sunset Today : 5:54 PM

Moonset Today : 2:30 PM
Moonrise Tomorrow : 2:22 AM
Illumination Tomorrow : 16 %

For more information and queries, please call at telephone numbers 927-1335 and 927-2877 or log on to www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph

Pia Quezon

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Weather Watch

3 hours ago

PAGASA Heavy Rainfall Warning No.4 #NCR_PRSD
Weather System: Tropical Storm MARIO
Issued at 5:30 AM September 19,2014 (Friday)

Warning Level: Orange
Areas: #MetroManila, #Rizal and #Laguna
Impact: FLOODING is THREATENING.

Warning Level: Yellow
Areas: #Cavite, #Batangas and #Quezon
Impact: : FLOODING in low-lying areas may still prevail over these areas.

Meanwhile, light to moderate with occasional heavy rains affecting #Bulacan, #Pampanga, #NuevaEcija, #Zambales, #Bataan and #Tarlac which may persist within 3 hours.

The public and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council concerned are advised to MONITOR the weather condition and watch for the next advisory to be issued at 9:00 AM today.

PIA Regional Watch

15 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: The Provincial Tourism Office in partnership with De La Salle University Dasmarinas and Cavite Provincial Tourism Board, Inc. recently hosted the Cavite Tourism Summit. Held at DLSU-Dasmarinas Sarial Hall, the summit aimed to promote tourism in the province and at the same time boost local business and industry in preparation for the ASEAN Integration and Visit Philippines 2015. It is also part of a series of activities lined up for this month's Tourism celebration.

PIA Regional Watch

15 hours ago

PIA-4A/RIZAL: Rizal province is currently hosting the CALABARZON Regional Development Council - Sub Committee on Macroeconomy and Development Administration at the Ynares Hall, Rizal Provincial Capitol, Antipolo City.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: A Stakeholders Forum for Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) organized by the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development Regional Field Office IV-CALABARZON will take place this Friday, September 19 at the Country Chateau Bed and Breakfast in Tagaytay City. The forum for Cavite province aims to formalize partnership and collaboration with project stakeholders and to strengthen the inter agency, convergence and eventually the impact of SLP programs and services that the DSWD and the stakeholders are trying to achieve.

PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled power interruption in parts of Quezon province today, September 18. Affected area is QUEZELCO-1 franchise areas. Scheduled power interruption aims to facilitate the implementation of new relay setting and preventive maintenance and testing of associated high voltage equipment, protection and secondary devices affecting Gumaca 40MVA transformer. Normal operations will immediately resume after work completion.

Pia Quezon

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PIA Regional Watch

19 hours ago

PIA-4A/CAVITE: Department of Agriculture Regional Office IV-A Director Executive Director Vilma M. Dimaculangan recently conferred the Outstanding Small Farmer Award (under the Regional Individual Category) to Mr. Ruy Valente Polistico, an organic farmer from the town of Amadeo. A certificate of recognition and cash incentives were also given to Mr. Polistico.

Status Update

By PIA Regional Watch

PIA-4A/QUEZON: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the provincial government of Quezon is holding today a stakeholders workshop for the management of Pagbilao Mangrove Experimental Forest as a genetic resource area and national training site for mangroves. The workshop will identify agencies who will be responsible for manning and taking-care of the mangrove sites.

19 SEPTEMBER 2014.
	President Aquino witnesses signing of agreements for operations of LRT 1
	President Aquino invites French businessmen to take part in Phl econ			omic 'renaissance'

President Aquino witnesses signing of agreements for operations of LRT 1 PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Thursday witnessed the signing of a technical service agreement between RATP Developpement and the Light Rail Manila Consortium for the operations and maintenance of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1. The agreement, signed between RATP Developpement President Pierre Mongin, and Jose Ma. Lim, President and CEO of the Metro Pacific Investments Corp., at the Philippines-France Business Forum at Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, aims to provide operation and maintenance service and technical advice and expertise relating to the operations and maintenance of the Manila LRT 1 Cavite Extension, Operation and Maintenance Project. The Light Rail Manila Consortium also signed an engineering, procurement and construction agreement with Bouygues Travaux Publics and Alstom Transport on Thursday for the design and construction of the Manila Light Rail Transit Line 1 Extension Project that will extend Line 1 by 12 kilometers to add eight more stations. Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and COO of Ayala Corporation, and Transportation and Communications Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya were also present during the signing of the two agreements. PND (co) TOP President Aquino invites French businessmen to take part in Phl economic 'renaissance' (PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III invited French businessmen to explore investment opportunities in the Philippines, saying that the “country’s momentum is stronger that it has ever been in recent memory.” Speaking before the Philippine Business Opportunities Forum here, President Aquino told France-based companies that this is the best time to invest as the Philippine economy continues to grow. “Indeed, our country’s momentum is stronger than it has ever been in recent memory, and we will not sit idly by; we will build on this momentum,” the President told the French business community. “I am here today to invite all of you to be part of our story—take a closer look at our country, study your prospects, and ultimately, take part in the Philippine renaissance that continues to win the admiration of the world,” he added. President Aquino, who is on an official two-day visit to France, trumpeted economic gains and the reforms instituted by his administration before French businessmen. “As one would expect, our good governance efforts have breathed new life into our economy. In 2013, the economy grew by 7.2 percent, making us one of the fastest growing economies in Asia,” he said. “The business community—both domestic and international—has also noted the sea change in our country,” he said, adding that international rating organizations have also noticed the Philippines’ comeback. President Aquino cited the investment grade status the country obtained from Moody’s, Fitch, and Standard & Poor’s. Even the World Economic Forum’s yearly Global Competitiveness Report has named the Philippines as the most improved country in terms of competitiveness since 2010, he added. With the economic reforms put in place by his administration, President Aquino said that his administration is poised to sustain the country’s momentum. “I suppose the point of these recollections is to emphasize the reality: Yours is a matured, developed country, while ours has just been recently gaining momentum towards development,” he said. “There is a natural synergy between our requirements and aspirations, and your strengths and capabilities. Together, let us maximize the opportunities before us, for the mutual benefit of our peoples,” he added. PND (co) TOP 18 SEPTEMBER 2014. President Aquino says government addressing human rights Philippines, France agree to continue addressing climate change Philippines, France ink bilateral agreements to strengthen ties President Aquino meets top French firms Government continues to monitor prices of basic commodities, says Palace Philippines, France agree on peaceful settlement of South China Sea dispute President Aquino says a foreign bank wants to globalize Philippine peso Government committed to attain 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016, Palace official says Malacañang: U.P. is expected to promote responsibility in freedom of expression President Aquino says government addressing human rights (BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III on Tuesday assured the international community that the Philippine government is addressing human rights complaints and is ready to apply the full force of the law against those who are found guilty of abuses and extra-judicial killings. President Aquino told the Egmont Institute where he delivered a policy speech that his administration has taken steps to uphold human rights in the country and bring to the bar of justice the culprits. “We have instituted a task force whose primary mission is to take cognizance of all of these extrajudicial killings or alleged extrajudicial killings with the end in view of arresting every culprit regardless of whether it was a media individual, an activist, or any other individual,” the President said. “Bottom line is, you commit a crime in our country, there has to be certainty of punishment and that is the focus,” he added, when asked about the state of human rights in the Philippines during the forum. The President also stressed that it is not in the policy of the Aquino administration to encourage any transgressions of the law. “And towards that end, we have been investigating all of these allegations,” he said. One of these is the case of retired Major General Jovito Palparan, who was arrested on August 12 in Sta. Mesa, Manila, by the authorities after almost three years in hiding, he said. He is facing charges for the disappearance of two students of the University of the Philippines in 2006. PND (co) TOP Philippines, France agree to continue addressing climate change (PARIS, France) The Philippines and France have agreed on the need for concrete and effective results for climate talks in order to move forward efforts in dealing with the threats of climate change. During a bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and French Republic President Francois Hollande here on Wednesday, both leaders committed to work closely to adopt a new agreement applicable to all countries during the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the Framework Convention of the United Nations on Climate Change to be hosted by France in 2015. “Mindful of the need for rational and responsible action, the President and I talked about the threat of climate change and the need for concrete and effective results for climate talks,” President Aquino said in his statement following the meeting. Both leaders affirmed the importance of continuing efforts to address climate change, with the overall objective of limiting the increase in global temperature below 2 degrees Celsius, and reiterated the invitation to parties who are ready to do so to provide their contributions to the 2015 agreement by the end of the first quarter next year. President Aquino and President Hollande underscored during their talks the need to push the adaptation and means of implementation in order to meet the needs and concerns of countries most vulnerable to climate change. “We live in a single planet; and it is incumbent upon all of us—especially for the countries that have the capacity to contribute significantly to combating climate change—to come up with an equitable mechanism that every nation, every corporation and every individual will adhere to,” President Aquino said. “Typhoon Haiyan should not be the new norm, and it is our collective responsibility, therefore, to ensure that we bequeath a safer, more inclusive, and more resilient world to the next generation,” he added. They also discussed the focus of the work of the Agence Francaise de Development (AFD) in supporting Philippine efforts in fighting climate change, helping in the protection of the environment and contributing to sustainable development programs and projects in line with the country’s development priorities. Recalling the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in November 2013, President Aquino expressed the appreciation of his administration and the Filipino people for the timely and generous response of the French government, non-government organizations, private companies and individuals to help the victims of the natural disaster. On the efforts to rebuild areas devastated by the super typhoon, the two leaders expressed their common interest to continue French support for reconstruction and rehabilitation of typhoon-hit areas as determined by the Philippine government. PND (jb) TOP Philippines, France ink bilateral agreements to strengthen ties PARIS, France) The Philippines and France further strengthened its bilateral relations with the signing of several agreements on transportation and communications, culture and education. In a statement delivered after his meeting with French President François Hollande, President Benigno S. Aquino III said these agreements “will facilitate meaningful dialogue and fruitful exchanges between our two countries.” One of these is the agreement on air services, which was signed by Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya and French Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development Laurent Fabius. President Aquino and President Hollande witnessed the signing during a simple ceremony held at the Elyseé Palace. According to President Aquino, the air services agreement would “open more doors of opportunity for both our peoples, as we strengthen tourism, trade, business activity and our people-to-people ties.” The two leaders also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the École Nationale d’Administration and the Development Academy of the Philippines, and the 2014-2017 Administrative Agreement on Cultural Cooperation. “The agreement between the École Nationale d’Administration and the Development Academy of the Philippines looks into the establishment of training and exchanges that will benefit our many civil servants in the Philippines, as they work to provide improved services,” President Aquino said. “In the same manner, cooperation in the cultural field will, without doubt, promote heritage conservation, language and arts training, and cultural management—areas that are of vital importance in fostering greater understanding, thus, adding to the reservoir of goodwill between our peoples,” he added. In addition to the three bilateral agreements, the two leaders witnessed on Wednesday the signing of a contract entered into between 4G Alcatel Lucent and GLOBE Télécom for the purchase of equipment. President Aquino and President Hollande also welcomed the forthcoming signing of the updated Philippines-France Arrangement on Defense Cooperation by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and French Minister of Defense Jean-Yves Le Drian. “We have made significant strides as well towards updating our bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement,” the President said. “The Philippines is in the process of modernizing our armed forces and improving our defense capability, and we believe that France will be a reliable partner in this regard,” he added. PND (co) TOP President Aquino meets top French firms (PARIS, France) President Benigno Aquino III and his official delegation began a series of meetings with leading French corporations that have significant investments in the Philippines. Upon his arrival here Wednesday, President Aquino sat down with Pierre Jaffre, executive vice president for Asia Pacific, and Pierre Lanore, vice president for Philippines Airbus, during which the two businessmen pledged to continue to actively participate in the AFP modernization program. They also offered newly-designed aircraft for disaster management. Airbus Helicopters Philippines, Inc. has been operating in the country since 1978 as a service facility for helicopter maintenance and a training center for technicians. Airbus also provided technical assistance to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in its successful efforts to meet the safety standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that enabled Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific to secure the lifting of the ban previously imposed by the European Union. Airbus has also been assisting the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in promoting the Philippines as a hub for aircraft parts manufacturing and for maintenance, repair and overhaul services. The President also met with Schneider Electric, which offered several innovations in energy conservation that could substantially cut power consumption, along with other energy solutions for various major power plant projects all over the Philippines. Schneider has been in the Philippines since 1995 with four manufacturing facilities employing nearly 3,000 workers. It also operates a shared services center for human resources and finance. Another company, Teleperformance, which is known in the BPO industry also met with the Chief Executive. Daniel Julien, board chairman and founder of Teleperformance, informed the President of his company’s plans to double their existing workforce from 26,000 to 50,000, saying the Philippines is a strategic location for the companies they serve in the US, the UK and Canada, including the largest multinationals in these countries. Julien commended the Filipino workers of Teleperformace, describing them as “in-country heroes” on account of their exemplary work ethics and well-developed skill sets. He was joined by Allan Truitt, president for global business development, and David Rizzo, president of Asia-Pacific region. PND (jb) TOP Government continues to monitor prices of basic commodities, says Palace The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) continues to monitor the prices of basic commodities, a Palace official assured on Thursday. “Ang Consumer Protector Group ng DTI continues to conduct their monitoring,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang. She was commenting on reports that the price per kilogram of pork is now P200, and the price per kilogram of ginger is P300. “Kapag nakikinig tayo sa radio tuwing umaga, nakikita nating bumababa ang presyo, minsan may tumataas,” she said. Valte noted that the prices of canned sardines have increased, as most manufacturers have switched to the easy-open pull-tab cans. “Some of the increases in the prices of canned sardines are attributed to the fact that most of the manufacturers are shifting to the easy-open cans… So, talagang tumataas daw po,” she said. She however assured that the DTI is not letting up in monitoring the prices of commodities. PND (ag) TOP Philippines, France agree on peaceful settlement of South China Sea dispute (PARIS, France) The Philippines and France have agreed on the peaceful settlement of the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President François Hollande discussed peace and security in the region, particularly the increasing tension in the South China Sea, during a bilateral meeting held at the Elyseé Palace. “As President, I believe that with these concerns come the necessity for all countries in the region to commit to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS. This is the path my nation has chosen to take,” President Aquino said. In a joint statement, the two leaders expressed their opposition to any acquisition or claim--either by coercion or force--of any or all territory of a state by another state, in violation of international law, especially the charter of the United Nations. “Both leaders underscored the importance of maintaining peace and stability in Southeast Asia and promoting maritime security, freedom of navigation and the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,” the joint statement read. President Aquino and President Hollande also emphasized the importance of the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, as well as the early conclusion of a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in fostering peace and stability in the region. Meanwhile, President Aquino and French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also met to discuss issues involving the Filipino community here in France and developments in the Philippine economy on Wednesday at the Hotel Matignon here in Paris. PND (co) TOP President Aquino says a foreign bank wants to globalize Philippine peso (PARIS, France) President Benigno Aquino III said that a big foreign bank had broached the idea of globalizing the Philippine peso as a currency just like the US dollar. During his meeting with the Filipino community in Paris Wednesday night, President Aquino told his "bosses" that such proposal only reaffirmed the strong confidence of foreign investors in the Philippine economy. “Nagulat po ako ng ang isang bangkong malaki ang nagsabi sa atin baka dapat raw ho i-globalize na natin ang peso. Sabi ko, “Globalize the peso?” Ibig ho sabihin noon, magiging currency na parang dolyar, itene-trade ng ibang bansa,” President Aquino said. The President said he was curious if the idea of the foreign bank was possible and had tasked Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima to look into it. “Ang punto lang ho dito, ‘di ko akalaing may magmumungkahi sa ating gano’n kaganda na at kabango ang Pilipinas, na mayroon nang maglalagay ng kanilang puhunan sa ating salapi dahil may tiwala sa atin na may katatagan ang ating ekonomiya, ang ating bansa, at ang ating pananalapi,’ he said. He told the Filipino community that he had attended at least 41 engagements since he started his visits to Spain, Belgium and France. The President is on his second day here and is expected to hold more business meetings with leading France-based corporations. Aside from economic growth, the President also shared to some 700 excited Filipinos here the other reforms the Philippines has been experiencing since he assumed office in 2010. He mentioned the fight against corruption by prosecuting all crooked public officials; curtailing illegal practices like bribery and kickbacks in government projects, which generates more savings; assisting the welfare of indigent Filipinos through the conditional cash transfer program; and creating more jobs. The President said he was set to hold at least 40 more engagements during his visit here, Germany and the United States. Prior to that, Aquino visited Spain and Belgium where he met with high-ranking officials, including the European Union leaders. Aquino underscored during his meeting with French President Francois Hollande at Elysee Palace here that the Philippines was now open for business, citing economic growth of 7.2 percent. The Philippine economy is expected to grow between 6.5 and 7 to 8 percent in 2015, the Chief Executive said. PND (jb) TOP Government committed to attain 10 million tourist arrivals by 2016, Palace official says The government is taking concrete measures to make sure that the target to attract 10 million tourists by 2016 is achieved, a Palace official said on Thursday. “We will continue to convey our assurances that we will maximize our efforts to keep protecting our friends who visit us. And also, the unfortunate incidents are being given the attention when it comes to investigation, and the appropriate police and law enforcement processes that they deserve,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte told reporters during a press briefing in Malacañang. Valte was commenting on reports that Cebu Pacific and Tiger Air Philippines have cancelled 149 chartered flights to and from mainland China due to the Chinese government’s advisory, warning its citizens against travelling to the Philippines. The advisory was prompted by the recent kidnapping of a Chinese teenager who worked in a family-run store in Zamboanga and the arrest of a group of men who said they planned to attack the Chinese embassy in Manila. “Klaruhin po natin na ‘yung sinabi po ng Cebu Pacific ay ang pagtigil ng mga chartered flights. Hindi po ‘yung mga commercial flights from Beijing to Shanghai ang pinag-uusapan dito,” said Valte. She noted that government travel advisories affect tour operators who see a drop in the number of tour packages they are able to sell. “Of course, the citizens are still free to come and visit us. Although nasa konsiderasyon na po nila kung gaano kabigat ang ibibigay nilang weight doon sa travel advisory or doon sa advice na ibinigay sa kanila ng kanilang pamahalaan,” said Valte. She said the Department of Tourism is still assessing the possible impact of China’s travel advisory on the country’s tourist arrivals. Data from the department show that tourist arrivals hit 4.68 million last year, 9.5 percent higher than the 4.27 million posted in 2012. Visitors from China totaled 426,352, making up the fourth biggest group, by the end of 2013. The department aims to attract 5 million foreign tourists by the end of this year. PND (ag) TOP Malacañang: U.P. is expected to promote responsibility in freedom of expression Malacañang said on Thursday that the University of the Philippines (UP) should promote responsibility in exercising freedom of expression. In a statement sent to members of the Malacañang Press Corps, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the report that Budget Secretary Florencio Abad was “mobbed” at the state university has reached President Benigno S. Aquino III, who is on a four-nation official tour of Europe. “(The President) believes that as the premier university, the UP is expected to promote responsibility in the exercise of the freedom of expression and civility while engaging in political discourse,” said Coloma. “This may be an opportune time to reassess the implications to an institution of higher learning when a political forum degenerates into mob rule,” he added. A group of student activists reportedly mobbed Abad after he discussed the Disbursement Acceleration Program and the 2015 National Budget during a forum at the School of Economics in UP Diliman on Wednesday. PND (ag) TOP

 

18 SEPTYEMBRE 2014 Puspusang hinaharap ng gobyerno ang mga usaping ukol sa paglabag sa 'human rights'—Aquino Nagkaisa ang Pilipinas at Pransiya na patuloy na harapin ang 'Climate Change' Nilagdaan ng Pilipinas, pransiya ang mga 'bilateral agreement' para tumibay pang lalo ng magandang ugnayan nila Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga pangunahing korporasyong Pranses Hindi tinatantanan ng gobyerno ang pagbabantay sa presyo ng mga bilihin

Puspusang hinaharap ng gobyerno ang mga usaping ukol sa paglabag sa 'human rights'—Aquino (BRUSSELS, Belgium)—Tiniyak ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III sa komunidad na pandaigdig na puspusang hinaharap ng pamahalaang Pilipino ang mga usaping may kinalaman sa karapatang pantao upang malapatan ng karampatang parusa ang mga nalapatang nagkasala sa pagmamalabis at sa extrajudicial killings. Binigyang diin ng Pangulong Aquino sa talumpati sa Egmont Institute dito na ang kanyang administrasyon ay gumawa ng mga hakbang upang bigyang tingkad ang karapatang pantao sa bansa at papanagutin ang mga lumalapastangan dito. “Nagtatag kami ng task force na ang pangunahing sagutin ay asikasuhin ang lahat ng mga extrajudicial killing, pati ang mga umano ay extrajudicial killings upang madakip ang bawa’t pinaghihinalaang may kagagawan nito kahit sila ay media man, aktibista o sino mang tao,” wika pa ng Pangulo. “Ito ay dahil sa aming bansa, kapag gumawa ka ng krimen, kailangang matiyak ang iyong parusa at iyan ang pinagtutuunan namin ng pansin,” sagot ng Pangulo nang tanungin tungkol sa kalagayan ng karapatang pantao sa Pilipinas. Tahasang sinabi ng Pangulo na hindi patakaran ng administrasyong Aquino na himukin ang sino man na labagin ang batas. “Ito ang dahilan kaya totohanang pagsisiyasat ang iniutos naming gawin tungkol sa mga alegasyong ito,” sabi pa ng Pangulo. Isa sa mga kasong tulad nito ang kay retiradong Heneral Jovito Palparan na nadakip ng mga alagad ng batas noong Agosto 12 sa Sta. Mesa, Maynila pagkaraan nang halos tatlong taong pagtatago, dugtong pa ng Pangulong Aquino. “Nahaharap siya sa kasong kaugnay ng pagkawala ng dalawang mag-aaral ng Pamantasan ng Pilipinas noong 2006." PND (co/zaf) TOP Nagkaisa ang Pilipinas at Pransiya na patuloy na harapin ang 'Climate Change' (PARIS, Pransiya) Nagkaisa ang Pilipinas at ang Pransiya na dapat puspusang magtulungan para maging kapaki-pakinabang ang mga pag-uusap at pagtugon sa mga suliraning may kinalaman sa pagbabago ng klima. Sa pag-uusap ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ng Pangulong Francois Hollande ng Pransiya na ginanap dito Miyerkoles, nangako ang dalawang lider na magkatuwang silang magpapatupad ng bagong kasunduang angkop para sa lahat ng bansa sa idaraos na 21st Conference of the Parties to the Framework Convention of the United Nations on Climate Change na ang magiging punung-abala ay ang bansang Pransiya. “Sapagka’t kailangan ang angkop at responsableng aksiyon, ako at ang Pangulo ay nag-usap tungkol sa banta ng pagbabago ng klima at ang kailangang gawing tamang hakbang na magreresulta ng mabisang paraan para sa pulong tungkol sa klima,” sabi ng Pangulong Aquino sa pahayag pagkatapos ng pulong nila ng Pangulong Hollande. Pinagtibay ng dalawang lider ang halaga ng mga patuloy na pagsisikap upang tugunan ang pagbabago ng klima na ang pangunahing pakay ay huwag lumampas sa 2 degrees Celsius ang temperatura ng daigdig. Inulit ng dalawang Pangulo ang paanyaya sa lahat na nakahandang mag-ambag sa kasunduan na gagawin sa pagtatapos ng unang kuwarter ng 2015. Binigyang diin sa pag-uusap ng Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Hollande ang halaga ng pagsasagawa at makabuluhang pagpapatupad na dapat gawin ng mga bansang higit na nanganganib dahil sa pagbabago ng klima. “Naninirahan tayo sa iisang planeta at tungkulin nating lahat—lalo na ng mga bansang nasa higit na kalagayan upang makapag-ambag nang malaki sa pagsugpo sa pagbabago ng klima, na gumawa ng pakikinabangang mekanismong tutuparin ng bawa’t bansa, bawa’t korporasyon at bawa’t tao,” dagdag pa ng Pangulong Aquino. “Ang Bagyong Haiyan ay hindi dapat malimot. Sama-sama nating saguting tiyaking ang iiwan nating daigdig sa susunod na saling lahi ay isang mundong higit na ligtas, higit na nagtutulungan at higit na matatag,” sabi pa ng Pangulong Aquino. Tinalakay rin sa pulong ng dalawang Pangulo ang ginawa ng Agence Francais de Development (AFD) sa pagsuporta sa pagsisikap ng Pilipinas na paglaban sa pagbabago ng klima, pagtulong upang pangalagaan ang kapaligiran at pag-aambag sa programa ng patuloy na kaunlaran at mga dapat unahing makabubuti sa bansa. Inalala ng Pangulong Aquino ang malawak na pinsalang idinulot ng napakalakas na Bagyong Haiyan (Yolanda) sa Pilipinas noong Nobyembre 2013. Nagpasalamat ang Pangulong Aquino sa ngalan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa tulong ng pamahalaang Pranses, gayundin ng mga non-government organizations, mga pribadong kompanya at mga taong tumulong sa mga biktima ng bagyong nasabi. Hinggil naman sa pagsisikap na pagbabagong tatag ng sinalanta ng bagyo, nagpahayag ng nagkakaisang hangarin ang dalawang lider sa patuloy na pagtulong ng Pransiya sa pagbabagong tatag at rehabilitasyon ng mga pook na sinalanta ng bagyo na ang tutukoy ay ang pamahalaang Pilipino. “Katungkulan nating lahat na tiyaking an gating ipamamanang daigdig para sa susunod na saling lahi ay higit na ligtas, higit na nagdadamayan at higit na matatag, sabi ng Pangulo. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Nilagdaan ng Pilipinas, pransiya ang mga 'bilateral agreement' para tumibay pang lalo ng magandang ugnayan nila (PARIS, Pransiya) Ibayong pagtutulungan at magandang ugnayan ang bubuklod sa Pilipinas at Pransiya matapos lagdaan ng dalawang bansa ang mga kasunduang ukol sa trasportasyon at komunikasyon, gayundin sa kultura at edukasyon. Sa pahayag pagkatapos ng pulong nila ng Pangulong Francois Hollande, sinabi ng Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na ang mga kasunduang ito ay “magpapabilis na lalo ng makabuluhang pag-uusap at mabungang ugnayan ng dalawang bansa.” Isa sa mga nilagdaang kasunduan ay ang tungkol sa air services na ang lumagda ay si Kalihim Joseph Emilio Abaya sa panig ng Pilipinas at Ministro Laurent Fabius ng Ugnayang Panlabas at Pandaigdig na Kaunlaran. Sinaksihan ng Pangulong Aquino at ni Pangulong Hollande ang simpleng seremonya ng paglagda na ginanap sa Elysee Palace. Kaharap din ang dalawang Pangulo nang lagdaan ang memorandum of understanding ng Ecole Nacionale d’Administracion at ng Development Academy of the Philippines tungkol sa training and exchanges na pakikinabangan ng mga tauhan ng pamahalaan sa Pilipinas,” wika ng Pangulong Aquino. Idinugtong ng Pangulo na sa larangan ng pagtutulungang pangkalinangan ay magsusulong ng pangangalaga sa mga kamanahan ng lahi, pagsasanay sa wika at sining, gayundin sa kultura na mahalagang sangkap ng ibayong pagkakaunawaan at mabuting samahan ng mga mamamayan ng dalawang bansa. Nagpahayag din ng kagalakan ang Pangulong Aquino at Pangulong Hollande sa gagawing paglagda nina Kalihim Voltaire Gazmin ng Tanggulang Bansa ng Pilipinas at ni Ministro Jean Yves Le Drian ng Tanggulan ng Pransiya sa inayos na Philippines-France Arrangement on Defense Cooperation. “Nakagawa tayo ng mahahalagang pasulong na hakbang upang ayusin ang Bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement. Ang Pilipinas ay kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng modernisasyon ng ating Sandatahang Lakas at pinabubuti ang ating kakayahang pantanggulan. Naniniwala kami na ang Pransiya ay ating maaasahang kabalikat sa mga bagay na ito,” sabi ng Pangulo. PND (co/zaf) TOP Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Aquino sa mga pangunahing korporasyong Pranses (PARIS, Pransiya) Nakipagpulong ang Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III at ang opisyal na delegasyon niya sa mga pangunahing korporasyong Pranses na mga mamumuhunan sa Pilipinas. Unang nakapulong ng Pangulong Aquino pagdating niya rito Miyerkoles sina Pierre Jeffre, pangalawang pangulong tagapagpaganap para sa Asya Pasipiko. At Pierre Lanore, pangalawang pangulo ng Philippine Airbus kung saan sinabi ng dalawang negosyante na patuloy silang lalahok sa AFP Modernization Program. Nag-alok pa ang dalawa ng isang bagong desenyong eroplanong magagamit sa disaster management. Ang Airbus Helicopters Philippines, Inc. ay noon pang 1978 nasa Pilipinas bilang service facility para sa helicopter maintenance at sentrong sanayan ng mga technician. Ang Airbus din ang nagbibigay ng tulong teknikal sa Civil Aviation Organization of the Philippines (CAAP) sa matagumpay na pagsisikap nitong matugunan ang pamantayang pangkaligtasan ng International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) na naging daan upang maalis ang “ban” (pagbabawal) na ipinataw ng European Union sa Philippine Airlines at Cebu Pacific. Tinutulungan din ng Airbus na magawaran ang Kalakal at Industriya sa promosyon na ang Pilipinas ay sentro ng pagawaan ng mga piyesa ng eroplano at sa pagkukumpuni, pangangalaga at overhaul services. Nakipagpulong din ang Pangulong Aquino sa Schneider Electric na nag-aalok ng maraming mga pagbabago sa larangan ng pagtitipid ng enerhiya na malaking bagay ang magagawa para lumiit ang konsumo ng koryente, gayundin ng mga solusyon sa enerhiya ng iba-ibang malalaking proyektong planta ng koryente sa buong Pilipinas. Ang Schneider Electric ay nasa Pilipinas na noon pang 1995 sa pamamagitan ng apat na pasilidad nito sa manufacturing na ang empleyado ay aabot sa 3,000. Mayroon din itong shared service center for human resources and finance. Ang kompanyang Teleperformance naman na nakipag-usap din sa Pangulong Aquino ay kilala sa larangan ng industriyang BPO. Ipinaalam sa Pangulo ni Daniel Julien, board chairman at tagapagtatag ng Teleperformance, na balak ng kanilang kompanya na doblehin ang bilang ng mga kawani nila mula sa 26,000 ay gawing 50,000 sapagka’t ang Pilipinas ay isang strategic location para sa mga kompanyang pinagsisilbihan nila sa Estados Unidos, United Kingdom at Canada, kabilang ang mga pinakamalalaking multinationals sa nasabing mga bansa. Pinuri ni Julien ang mga Pilipinong manggagawa ng Teleperformance na tinawag niyang ‘mga bayani sa bansa nila’ dahil sa pambihirang ugali ng mga ito sa pagtatrabaho at sa pagiging tunay na bihasa sa kanilang gawain. Kasama ni Julien sa pakikipagkita sa Pangulong Aquino sina Allan Truitt, pangulo para sa global business development ng kompanya at si David Rizzo, pangulo para sa Rehiyon ng Asya-Pasipiko. PND (jb/zaf) TOP Hindi tinatantanan ng gobyerno ang pagbabantay sa presyo ng mga bilihin Hindi tinatantanan ng Kagawaran ng Kalakal at Industriya ang pagsubaybay sa halaga ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa bansa, ayon kay Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte Huwebes. “Walang tigil ang Consumer Protector Group ng DTI sa pagsubaybay sa halaga ng mga bilihin,” wika ni Valte sa pulong balitaan sa Malacanang. Binigyang diin ni Valte ang bagay na ito sa liwanag ng mga balita na umabot na sa P200 isang kilo ang baboy at P300 naman ang isang kilo ng bawang. “Kapag nakikinig tayo ng radyo tuwing umaga, napapakinggan nating bumababa ang presyo, bagaman kung minsan mayroong tumataas,” paliwanag ni Valte. Sinabi ni Valte na tumaas nang bahagya ang halaga ng sardinas at ang katuwiran ng mga gumagawa nito ay ang mga latang easy-open pull-tab na mas mahal ang ginagamit nila. Gayunman, tiniyak ni Valte na hindi nagtitigil ang DTI na alamin ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin para magawa agad ang hakbang na dapat gawin tungkol dito. PND (ag/zaf) TOP

 

18 SEPT 2014 Baldoz emphasizes public-private partnership in employment facilitation Baldoz lauds POLO-Singapore for rescuing 12 stranded OFWs DSWD preps relief for Mayon evacuees PSA, WB hold launching Forum on the Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (PhilWAVES) Project Illegal plywood trader faces smuggling raps BOC-MICP surpasses 2014 auction revenue target by 261% Roxas willing to undergo Lifestyle Check Roxas, Metro Mayors join hands to combat crimes No let up in purging DPWH erring employees - DPWH chief President Aquino pushes for PPP projects in Belgium DTI, Cavite State University launch coffee service facility DAP list detail-rich for public scrutiny Cebu-based company participates in Moscow International Food Show PHL Embassy in Bangkok conducts Consular outreach program in Phuket, holds 17th Financial Learning Seminar for Filipinos in Thailand DAR forges partnership with NGOs to boost Bukidnon farmers’ organizations DA 11 turns over rice farm machineries worth P4.8 million DA Rice Program conducts mushroom production project national assessment and planning workshop in Bicol September 2014 Medical Technologist Licensure Examination results released in three (3) working days MB places Rural Bank of Padre Burgos (Southern Leyte), Inc. under PDIC receivership, all valid insured deposit claims will be paid

Baldoz emphasizes public-private partnership in employment facilitation

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday underscored the importance of a dynamic public-private partnership to provide effective employment facilitation in the country, as she lauded five E-PhilJobnet partners which have agreed to improve the Phil-Job.Net system, and expand access to career guidance and labor market information. “The active participation of the private sector is of key importance to reach our objectives which is to vigorously address the pressing issue of job-skill mismatch in the country,” said Baldoz during the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the DOLE, through the Bureau of Local Employment, with SFI Group of Companies; Career Hub Network Corp.; JobStreet Select, Inc.; Quantum X, Inc.; and The NowGroup at the OSEC Conference Room, DOLE Building in Intramuros, Manila. “I am confident that with the support of our private partners, which support this MOU firms up, responsive LMI, not only within the Philippines, but even at the ASEAN and the Asian regional level and, hopefully, the global level, will be made available to the public,” said Baldoz. In emphasizing active private sector participation private sector to address the job-skill mismatch, Baldoz said: “The government needs your active engagement for us to succeed. We can make a difference by working together to enrich the DOLE-business community partnership towards decent and productive employment for all,” said Baldoz. As partner organizations, the said companies have agreed, under the MOU, to provide the best career and employment opportunities for jobseekers free of charge, as well as facilitate the search for qualified manpower of employers through the Enhanced Phil-Job.Net (E-PJN). “With the support of our private partners, the DOLE will continue to improve the enhanced Phil-Job.Net System to enable registered jobseekers to reach more employment opportunities at no charge to them,” said Baldoz. Under the MOU, the SFI Group of Companies, a private conglomerate of six affiliated corporations which has various job site facilities, including online platforms, shall: 1. Provide a grant to DOLE consisting of five thousand (5,000) free Hirelabs Employability/21st Century Skills Assessment Units for the Phil-Job.Net Applicant Assessment in conducting the pilot implementation of the programs in Learning to Earning, Career Mapping, Talent Mapping, and Capacity Building of Guidance Counselors; 2. Provide technical assistance in the rebranding and market strategy to generate more users and registrants of the Phil-Job.Net website; 3. Provide capacity building/training and learning sessions to DOLE’s Networks of Guidance Counselors and Career Advocates (NGCCAs) using Career DNA as an assessment tool, particularly test administration protocols, and scoring and interpretation of results; 4. Place the Phil-Job.Net logo at the SFI Group website’s homepage a hyperlink to Phil-Job.Net website; and 5. Support the publication of news articles and social media campaigns regarding the Program Careerhub Network Corp., an online job portal that caters to the Information Technology-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry, has agreed to: 1. Provide the DOLE and selected institutionalized PESOs access to use Virtual Solutions for free during employment facilitation activities; 2. Share with the DOLE the database and demographics/profile of BCH registered users that may be relevant in the development of research studies about the IT-BPM industry; 3. Assist the DOLE in disseminating announcements through social media sites, BCH website, as well as through electronic mail and SMS blasts; 4. Share links from its website to provide DOLE access to career information resources in IT-BPM; 5. Provide career speakers for DOLE career guidance advocacy activities and other related events; 6. Allow directed PJN registered users to view job details of vacancies posted by employers and other career information resources (i.e. career assessment tools, and videos) in the BCH website without any cost on their part; and 7. Place the DOLE and PhilJob.Net logos at the BCH website JobStreet Philippines, which operates the online job search portal, JobStreet.com, has agreed to support DOLE-LEES and JobsFit Labor Market Information Report 2013-2020 and shall: 1. Promote the DOLE-LEES video series and JobsFit Report to the public by email blast; e-news article written by JobStreet.com; uploading a homepage web banner or LiNa Banner; posting at social media website; and conduct a Jobstreet.com Coffee Break Special at Facebook; 2. Provide DOLE with labor market information via the Jobstreet.com system; and 3. Arrange for a joint press launch for a Special Local Employment Promotions Campaign. To help provide information to tech-savvy job searchers/applicants, Quantum X shall: 1. Develop a co-branded DOLE/JobOpenings.ph mobile application for iOS and Android which will show job search and job vacancy results from www.phil-jobnet.dole.gov.ph and from www.jobopenings.ph; schedule of job fairs; and existing DOLE-Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) publications available in the BLE website; and 2. Maintain and update the mobile application in the Apple App Store and Google Play and, jointly with the DOLE, disseminate information and marketing communications on BLE programs. The NowGroup shall: 1. Provide a platform for free; redesigning the Phil-Job.Net interface and integrate new functional content; incorporate better Search Engine Optimization (SEO) practices in the system; hosting, maintaining, and updating the new Phil-Job.Net system; provide technical assistance in migrating applicants’ profile from the DOLE’s Skills Registry System to the new Phil-Job.Net platform and development of the DOLE inter-agency data sharing system/verification of applicants’ education, training and professional accreditation; 2. Promote the Phil-Job.Net to the public via SMS blast; upload of homepage web banner ; and promote partnership between DOLE and iTrabaho on Facebook and Twitter; and 3. Provide technical and users’ training to Bureau of Local Employment staff.

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Baldoz lauds POLO-Singapore for rescuing 12 stranded OFWs

Source: http://www.dole.gov.ph

Labor and Employment Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz yesterday lauded the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Singapore for successfully rescuing 12 stranded OFWs. “The 12 OFWs were detained by officers of the Airport Police Department of the Changi International Airport last 5 September 2014. They were bound to work as domestic workers in various Middle East countries and made a stop-over in Singapore,” Baldoz said, citing the report of Labor Attache Vicente Cabe of POLO Singapore. Cabe said in his report the 12 OFWs were not allowed to board their connecting flight due to questions about their plane tickets which were purportedly purchased through fake credit cards. “They were turned over to the Airport Police Department, which contacted us in the POLO,” Cabe said. Upon knowing of the plight of the 12 OFWs, staff of POLO Singapore immediately proceeded to the Changi Airport and interviewed the 12 OFWs. They made them accomplish the Workers’ Intake Sheet for documentation purposes. Thereafter, they contacted the OFWs’ respective agencies and asked the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to verify if their deployment were legitimate. After the POEA responded in the positive, POLO Singapore then asked the 12 OFWs to decide whether to pursue their employment abroad. Eight of the workers decided to proceed to their respective employers, while the other four decided to return back to the Philippines. Their respective agencies provided them with tickets, both for those bound to the Middle East and for the other four back to the Philippines. The four domestic workers arrived in Manila on 9 September 2014. The 12 OFWs and their destinations were as follows: (1) Venus Galve, bound for Kuwait; (2) Noraisa Gumbay, bound for Kuwait; (3) Stella Marie Aragon, bound for Qatar; (4) Gina Dela Cruz, bound for Jordan; (5) Jubaina Maula, bound for Jordan; (6) Rochelle Rueda, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (7) Mary Jane Agnes, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (8) Merygen Manangan, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (9) Sarah Cano, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (10) Jenilyn Magpayo, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; (11) Joan Gilleran, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; and (12) Jade Angelique Trogon, bound for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Baldoz instructed POEA Administrator Hans Cacdac to look more closely into the case and determine if there was fault in either of the parties. POEA’s finding will define whether an appropriate sanction will be issued against an erring party. “We cannot just play easy on the lives and safety of our OFWs,” Baldoz said. "Prospective OFWs must be mindful of their rights and obligations. There are numerous cases of OFWs’ terrible experiences here and abroad, from illegal recruitment to physical abuse. We have to continue to work hard to decrease, if not prevent, these welfare concerns of our OFWs,” Baldoz added.

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DSWD preps relief for Mayon evacuees

Source: http://www.dswd.gov.ph

Legazpi City, Albay – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and concerned local government units (LGUs) are closely monitoring the increased volcanic activities of Mt. Mayon following its Alert Level 3 status. As of 4 am, some 4,742 families or 21,092 individuals from the municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, Malilipot, and Ligao, and Tabaco City are now staying in 18 evacuation centers. DSWD already provided a total of P735,172 worth of family food packs, assorted food items, and assorted non-food items to the Province of Albay. DSWD-Field Office V had already prepositioned 2,000 family packs for augmentation to areas that may be affected by the eruption of Mt. Mayon. It also has standby funds amounting to P5,165,014.43 for the purchase of emergency relief supplies. Moreover, some 119,726 assorted food items worth P4,039,345.70 and other non-food items worth P14,807,887.73 are being earmarked and are ready to augment resources of LGUs, if needed. Governor Joey Salceda has requested for augmentation assistance from DSWD that includes 8,964 bags of rice to feed some 10,546 families for 17 days.

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PSA, WB hold launching Forum on the Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (PhilWAVES) Project

Source: http://www.nscb.gov.ph

The Philippine Statistics Authority and the World Bank will hold a launching forum on the Philippine Wealth Accounting and Valuation of Ecosystem Services (Phil-WAVES) Project today at 9:00 A.M. at the Bahia Rooftop, 14th Floor, InterContinental Manila in Makati City. The inception forum aims to raise awareness on the Phil-WAVES project and its program components and to solicit preliminary feedback from the participants which include representatives from the national government, the private sector, academe, and the media. The WAVES is a World Bank-led partnership that helps countries incorporate the value of natural capital in national accounts. The Philippines is one of the core implementing countries that will embark in programs that aim to compile accounts for natural resources following the United Nations System of Environmental-Economic Accounting 2012 Central Framework and experimental accounts for ecosystems. For more inquiries, please contact Director Raymundo J. Talento at telephone number 895-2481 or e-mail address rj.talento@nscb.gov.ph.

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Illegal plywood trader faces smuggling raps

Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph/?p=10321

A trading firm engaged in the importation of various goods into the country and its licensed customs broker face smuggling-related charges for the unlawful importation of plywood worth an estimated P30-Million. The Bureau of Customs (BOC) filed charges against Michaela Ante, sole owner and proprietress of Bandini Trading and customs broker Anna Marie Vallespin before the Department of Justice for the illegal importation of plywood from China. In the BOC’s complaint-affidavit, Vallespin brokered the entry of 43 40-foot container vans of what was declared as “ordinary plywood” that arrived in seven batches at the Port of Subic from June 17 to July 13, 2014. The shipments issued Alert Orders following derogatory information received by the BOC from the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). Subsequently, it was found that Bandini submitted fake Conditional Release Permits (CRPs), a document issued by BPS required for the customs clearance of goods that are required by law to undergo mandatory product testing at the BPS. Republic Act 4109 (Bureau of Product Standards Law) requires mandatory product certification from BPS, the country’s National Standards Body (NSB), for importers and manufacturers of covered goods which include plywood and other constructions materials prior to product distribution and sale. Products that comply with Philippine National Standard (PNS) requirements will be issued a Philippine Standard (PS) license and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate Information from BPS further revealed that Bandini is not a registered PS License holder for any wood products covered by mandatory certification nor did the firm apply for or obtained the required ICCs or CRPs from the DTI-BPS for the subject shipments. “This is a very clear case of unscrupulous traders who choose to ignore our laws. We cannot put the lives of our people and public safety at risk from construction materials that were never certified for safety or product quality. Let this be a warning to those in the business of trading construction materials that we are strictly implementing a ‘no permit, no entry’ policy,” said Customs Commissioner John P. Sevilla. Ante and Vallespin face charges of violating Republic Act 4109 (Bureau of Product and DTI Department Order No. 5, series of 2008 for failure to obtain PS License and product certifications; Sections 3601 and 3602 of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines for unlawful importation and the fraudulent filing of import documents; and Article 172 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines for falsification of public documents. The DTI is also investigating Bandini Trading for allegedly submitting fake Conditional Releases which were allegedly signed by the current BPS Director-in-Charge Atty. Ann Claire Cabochan to discharge the imported plywood. Last month, the BOC and BPS warned the public to be vigilant when buying plywood. In a joint statement, the two agencies said that of the 31,077 tons of plywood imported into the Philippines in July 2014, about 69% was released without the required clearances from BPS and another 27% released which the BPS is still verifying whether the appropriate clearances were issued.

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BOC-MICP surpasses 2014 auction revenue target by 261%

Source: http://www.dof.gov.ph

The Bureau of Customs (BOC)-Manila International Container Port (MICP) Collection District earned over P469-Million from the conduct of public auctions on illegally imported goods forfeited in favor of the government from January to September 16, 2014. The figure includes the P12.065-Million winning bid a shipment of smuggled garlic sold through public auction yesterday (Tuesday, September 16). From January to September 16, 2014, the BOC-MICP District Office successfully conducted 14 public auctions of some 1,319 container vans with forfeited shipments, generating a total of P469.052-Million, 261% over its full-year 2014 auction revenue target of P130-Million. The significant jump in the district’s auction proceeds stem from its sale of 315 container vans of glutinous and white rice last September 11, 2014 which earned over P393-Million. “More than raising revenues for the government, the aggressive disposition of forfeited goods has also helped decongest the Manila International Container Terminal and sent a strong message to our stakeholders that we are committed to implementing customs laws and policies to the letter,” said BOC-MICP District Collector ElmirDela Cruz. On top of the public auctions, the BOC-MICP also condemned 1,091 container vans of seized goods that can neither be sold through public bidding nor donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. These include pirated or fake goods, food items and medicines that are expired and have no permits from the Food and Drug Administration. Garlic auction grosses P12-M In a public auction yesterday (Tuesday, September 16), the BOC-Manila International Container Port successfully sold an estimated 486,870 kilograms for P12.065-Million, or about P24.78 per kilo, to CH Sta. Fe Corp. Four bidders submitted bids for 17 container vans of garlicthat arrived from Shandong, China last June 2013. The shipment was seized from MC Jayson International Trading for lack of Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS) Import Clearance from the Department of Agriculture (DA). Under the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978lawor the Presidential Decree No. 1433, importations of garlic require an SPS Clearance from the agriculture department.AUCTION RESULTS: Lot Volume No. of ContainerVans Min. Floor Price Min. Floor Price per kg of rice Winning Bidder Winning Bid Price Winning Bid Price per kg of rice No. of bids White Garlic from China 486,870 kg 17 x 40 foot container vans P12,013,517.25 P24.67 CH STA. FE CORP. P12.065-Million P24.78 4

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Roxas willing to undergo Lifestyle Check

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas will require all police officers to undergo a lifestyle check. In a press conference at Camp Crame, Roxas expressed his willingness to go through the lifestyle check, “Syempre hindi ko ilalabas itong Memo Circular na ito na hindi ako mismo kasama sa lifestyle check.” He said under the law, all government officials and employees are mandated to live simple lives. He added that if this is violated, then a punishment is in order. Roxas mentioned that there are already ongoing coordination with the Internal Affairs Service (IAS), National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM), the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Office of the Ombudsman for the proper conduct of the investigation. According to the DILG Chief, the investigation should be impartial and objective. It should not only target certain officials, so it will be orderly.” He said the BIR may help with the Income Tax Returns (ITRs) of the police officers, and the Ombudsman, with the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN). “If their wealth is questionable, then it may be a basis for the conduct of a lifestyle check,” he said. He said those with star rank will be the first to undergo the investigation.

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Roxas, Metro Mayors join hands to combat crimes

Source: http://www.dilg.gov.ph

Interior and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas today reached out with the Metro Manila Mayors in an effort to enjoin them in the anti-criminality efforts of the Philippine National Police to effectively curb peace and order issue in their respective local communities. During a meeting with metro mayors, including Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino, Roxas said that the DILG will furnish all MM mayors with a scorecard starting next month. The scorecard contains data regarding the crime situation in every city or municipality in MM, and the interventions undertaken by the Philippine National Police (PNP). The said data from the scorecard will help MM local chief executives to determine how they fare in solving crimes. “Sometimes when faced with a challenge, the most important thing is to know where you are. Next is what is your plan,” he said. Roxas said when the mayors are equipped with this knowledge; they will be able to plan their actions better to lessen crime incidents in their areas of jurisdiction. The DILG chief said that the data in the scorecard will come from the Incident Report Forms (IRF) to be filled up by the different police stations. The IRFs are envisioned to take the place of the traditional blotter system which is prone to inaccuracy and human error. It will also serve as the basis for the projected crime map which aims to show information on the types of crime being committed in a particular area at any given time. Roxas said this will help the PNP determine the proper deployment of police personnel. Earlier, Roxas directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to enjoin all chiefs of police and station commanders to regularly comply with the directive to submit IRFs. He assures that the data to be furnished to the mayors are accurate and reflect the true crime situation in their locality.

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No let up in purging DPWH erring employees - DPWH chief

Source: http://www.dpwh.gov.ph

“I won’t hesitate suspending or terminating erring DPWH personnel who are members of the Bids and Awards Committees (BACs) conniving with contractors or with unscrupulous individuals found to be “fixing” the biddings in the Department.” This is the statement of DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson after receiving reports that activities such as “fixing” the biddings done in the DPWH offices are still on-going despite the suspension of some BAC members who were found culpable of violating the provisions of RA 9184, otherwise known as Procurement Act. Secretary Singson said that he continues to monitor the results of biddings for DPWH projects conducted by the Central, Regional and District Engineering Offices. “From the data alone, we can conclude that some contractors are favored in some of these offices. There are also patterns wherein same contractors are joining in the bidding process where winning bidders are rotated among them,” said Secretary Singson. It is reported that there are “fixers” roaming around DPWH offices in the country who peddle projects and contractors by showing copies of the Special Allotment Release Orders or SAROs issued by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for DPWH projects. Names of individuals are being monitored. “This also means that there are DPWH “insiders” who are involved in this practice of “selling” SAROs to contractors,” said Secretary Singson. The “modus” is, with a copy of the SARO issued by DBM, fixers approach contractors with a promise of winning the bidding in exchange for 10%-15% of the contract. “This shows that these fixers obviously have strong connections with DPWH officials or employees, more often than not, the BAC members.” “These fixers even get a copy of the SAROs before we officially receive them from DBM”, he added. Secretary Singson has already ordered a thorough investigation on these DPWH officials or employees as well as names of alleged fixers. “Violations of RA 9184 and other procurement laws will be dealt with swiftly, as in recent situations were district engineering employees were suspended,” added Secretary Singson. The DPWH Chief is appealing to contractors to participate in DPWH biddings in an open and competitive manner whereby savings that will be derived from this process shall be used to fund other DPWH projects to benefit the people. Secretary Singson further warned the contractors found to be involved in collusion and fixing the biddings will be immediately suspended or worse, blacklisted from future biddings of the DPWH.

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President Aquino pushes for PPP projects in Belgium

Source: http://www.dti.gov.ph

Moving forward with the administration’s core infrastructure projects, the Philippine government, led by the President Benigno S. Aquino III promoted Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects to investors and partners in Belgium, inviting them to see for themselves why it is "more fun in the Philippines". “We are privileged to be joined by President Aquino in promoting PPP projects, which are anchored on the key pillars of his administration such as transparency, accountability and good governance,” Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said. The President keynoted the event dubbed as "The PPP Conference on infrastructure Development in the Republic of the Philippines" last 16 September at the Sofitel Brussels Europe in Belgium. The conference also had presentations by key government officials, as well as a networking reception. The conference is organized by the DTI through the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Brussels, the PPP Center, and the Philippine Embassy in Belgium, and in cooperation with the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and the Friends of Europe (Les Amis de l’ Europe). Domingo said that the conference will bring foreign investors to see infrastructure development opportunities with PPP projects. It will provide an overview of the various PPP projects, the bidding process, the legal framework, and related policies governing these projects. The PPP has been the seal of the government’s agenda in the development and implementation of its infrastructure program. From the time of its launch, the program continues to attract both local and foreign investors. Currently, it has over 50 projects in the pipeline, with an estimated investment requirement of about USD 20B. A number of these infrastructure projects such as water facilities, rails, airports are ready to be rolled out in the next 12 months. “With the President speaking before European companies and financial institutions, I am optimistic that this conference will bolster previous interest on PPP projects by European businesses and draw more investments in these projects,” Domingo said. Domingo noted that these PPP projects will likewise be pushed in various fora of the France and Germany leg of the President’s trip to Europe from September 13 to 20. “We are hopeful that we are able to draw snowballing interest from potential participants on PPP projects as well as provide an opportunity to partner with local companies,” Domingo said. From Belgium, the President is set to visit France and Berlin. “After these series of trips promoting investments, particularly PPP projects in the Philippines, we expect that we will able to relay and instill to potential European foreign investor

Last Updated: 19 SEPTEMBER 2014
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			PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III wears 3D glasses while watching a audio-visual presentation of Dassault Systems during the visit at 10 rue Marcel Dassault on Thursday (September 18). Also in the photo are Bernard Charles Prersident and CEO Dassault System and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III wears 3D glasses to experience 3D urban planning at the “cave room” during the visit at 10 rue Marcel Dassault on Thursday (September 18). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III wears 3D glasses while watching an audio-visual presentation of Dassault Systems during the visit at 10 rue Marcel Dassault on Thursday (September 18). Also in the photo are Bernard Charles Prersident and CEO Dassault System and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III wears 3D glasses to experience 3D urban planning at the “cave room” during the visit at 10 rue Marcel Dassault on Thursday (September 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III answers all inquiries after delivering his keynote speech during the business forum at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel on Thursday (September 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his keynote speech during the business forum at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Hotel on Thursday (September 18). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the meeting with the Filipino community at the Chapelle Sainte Bernadette on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Chapelle Sainte Bernadette on Wednesday (September 17). Also in photo is Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by French Prime Minister Manuel Valls upon arrival at the Entrance Courtyard of the Hotel de Matignon (official residence and workplace of the French PM) for a bilateral meeting on Wednesday (September 17, 2014). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President Francois Hollande witness the signing of agreements on PHL-FR Air Services, PHL-FR Cultural, Development Academy of the Philippines and Ecole Nationale d’Administration of France, and the Ayala Group/Globe Telecommunications and Alcatel Lucent Agreement at the Palais de L’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). Also in photo is Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(Brussels, BELGIUM) – President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Policy Speech organized with the Egmont Institute to mark the 50th Anniversary of PH-EU Relations at the Castle of Val Duchesse on Tuesday as he answer questions from the audience (September 16, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(Brussels, BELGIUM) – President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Policy Speech organized with the Egmont Institute with Dir. Gen. Ambassador Marc Otte to mark the 50th Anniversary of PH-EU Relations at the Castle of Val Duchesse on Tuesday (September 16, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(Brussels, BELGIUM) – President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Egmont Institute director general Ambassador Marc Otte upon arrival for the Policy Speech organized with the Egmont Institute to mark the 50th Anniversary of PH-EU Relations at the Castle of Val Duchesse on Tuesday (September 16, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Conference at the Sofitel Europe Hotel on Tuesday (September 16). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Public-Private Partnership Infrastructure Conference at the Sofitel Europe Hotel on Tuesday (September 16). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III and Prime Minister Elio di Rupo share a light moment at the veranda of the latter's residence on Tuesday (September 16). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Prime Minister Elio di Rupo upon arrival at the main lobby of the Prime Minister’s Residence for a meeting on Tuesday (September 16). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by European Council president Herman Van Rompuy upon arrival for a meeting the VIP Zone of the EC Headquarters on Tuesday (September 16). (Photo by Robert Vinas/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) The Filipino Community of Belgium and Luxembourg welcomes President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula where a meeting with the President was held on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(Brussels, BELGIUM) – President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Meeting with the Filipino Community in Belgium and Luxembourg at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula on Monday Department of Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert Del Rosario (September 15, 2014). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during a meeting with the Filipino Community of Belgium and Luxembourg at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benig S. Aquino III is welcomed by His Majesty King Philippe upon arrival at the lobby of the Royal Palace on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(BRUSSELS, Belgium) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso upon arrival at the European Commission Headquarters for a bilateral meeting on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Robert Vinas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III listens to French President Francois Hollande delivering his statement during the Joint Press Statement at the ground floor of the Palais de L’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President Francois Hollande deliver their statements during the Joint Press Statement at the ground floor of the Palais de L’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with French President Francois Hollande during the Joint Press Statement at the ground floor of the Palais de l’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III shares a light moment with French President Francois Hollande during the Joint Press Statement at the ground floor of the Palais de l’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III and French President Francois Hollande delivers their statements during the Joint Press Statement at the Ground Floor of the Palais de L’Elysee on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Secretary of State in charge of development and Francophonie Annick Girardin and Deputy General for engagements of the military governor of Paris Brigadier General Henry Bazin, honors the Philippine and French national anthem being played by the military band during the military honors and wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe of the Place Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Secretary of State in charge of development and Francophonie Annick Girardin and Deputy General for engagements of the military governor of Paris Brigadier General Henry Bazin, honors the Philippine and French national anthem being played by the military band during the military honors and wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe of the Place Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the wreath-laying to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers at the Arc de Triomphe of the Place Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III, along with Secretary of State in charge of Development and Francophonie Annick Girardin and Deputy General for Engagements of the Military Governor of Paris Brigadier General Henry Bazin, honors the Philippine and French national anthem being played by the military band during the military honors and wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe of the Place Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III is received by Secretary of State in charge of development and Francophonie Annick Girardin and Deputy General for Engagements of the Military Governor of Paris Brigadier General Henry Bazin upon arrival for the military honors and wreath-laying at the Arc de Triomphe of the Place Charles de Gaulle on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III passes through the Honor Guards upon arrival at the Palais de l’Elysee for the bilateral meeting with French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(PARIS, France) President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by French President Francois Hollande upon arrival at the Palais de l’Elysee for the bilateral meeting on Wednesday (September 17). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III arrives at the Orly International Airport for his Official Visit to Paris, France on Wednesday (September 17, 2014). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III poses for a souvenir photo with His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain during the audience at the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Carretera El Pardoon Monday (September 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain)  President Benigno S. Aquino III greets His Majesty Felipe VI, King of Spain during the audience at the Palacio de laZarzuela in Carretera El Pardoon Monday (September 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain)  President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy upon arrival at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Av Puerta de Hierrofor a bilateral meeting on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain)  President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy upon arrival at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Av Puerta de Hierrofor a bilateral meeting on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain)  President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy upon arrival at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Av Puerta de Hierrofor a bilateral meeting on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain)  President Benigno S. Aquino III greets the Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy upon arrival at the Palacio de la Moncloa in Av Puerta de Hierrofor a bilateral meeting on Monday (September 15). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Luis Castilla Camara, CEO of Acciona during a series of business meetings held at the Escornial Centro room of the Intercontinental Hotel here Sunday (September 14). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes Globalvia Executive President Javier Perez Portea during a series of business meetings held at the Escorial Norte Room of the Intercontinental Hotel here on Sunday (September 14). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III Meets with former Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar at the Intercon Hotel here on Sunday (September 14). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III meets with several business firms here on Sunday (September 14), in one of his activities in his working visit to Europe. Also in photo are members of the Philippine delegation, among them Sec. Transportation and Communications Joseph A. Abaya, Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario, Department of Agriculture Sec Proceso Alcala, Trade and Industry Sec. Gregory Domingo. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his message during his meeting with the Filipino community at the Colegio Nuestra Senora de las Maravillas here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. Also in photo are members of the Philippine delegation, among them Sec. to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Sec. Transportation and Communications Joseph A. Abaya, Trade and Industry Sec. Gregory Domingo Foreign Affairs Sec. Albert del Rosario, Department of Agriculture Sec Proceso Alcala, and Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. (Ryan Lim / Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) Members of the Filipino community here wave the Philippine Flag greeting the arrival of President Benigno S. Aquino III to lead the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal monument here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. (Ryan Lim / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno S. Aquino III is joined by Councilor Isabel Martinez-Cubells of the Ayuntamiento de Madrid during the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal monument here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. (Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III greets the Filipino community during the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal monument here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. (Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III leads the wreath-laying ceremonies at the Rizal monument here on Sunday (September 14). The President will first visit Spain, then proceed to Belgium, France and Germany for two days each. (Gil Nartea / Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is welcome by staff members of the Philippine Embassy upon arival at the Intercon Hotel here. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			(MADRID, Spain) President Benigno Simeon Aquino III is welcomed by Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas and Juan Sunye Deputy Chief of Protocol of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation upon arrival at Torrejon Airbase. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III reviews the honor guards during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Saturday (September 13). The President is embarking on a four-nation official tour of Europe from September 13 to 20, before proceeding to New York to attend the Climate Summit 2014 on September 23. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his departure statement during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Saturday (September 13). The President is embarking on a four-nation official tour of Europe from September 13 to 20, before proceeding to New York City to attend the Climate Summit 2014 on September 23. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III  delivers his speech during the agenda-setting with  dialogue partners meeting with reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace Friday, (September 12). Also in photo are Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III  delivers his speech during the agenda-setting with  dialogue partners meeting with reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society at the Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace Friday, (September 12). (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr./ Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III, with House Speaker Sonny Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon at the start of the agenda-setting with dialogue partners meeting at Rizal Hall of Malacanang Palace Friday (September 12), attended by reformists and like-minded public servants from government and civil society. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomes the delegation from Temasek International and Temasek Foundation during the courtesy call at the Music Room of the Malacañan Palace on Thursday (September 11.  The call is headed by its president Theng Kiat Lee. Temasek is an investment company based in Singapore. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Exequiel Supera / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the launching of the 420-Megawatt Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday (September 11).Together with the President in photo are Antonio Muraza, President of Aboitiz Power Corporation; Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Chairman of Aboitiz Equity Ventures; Secretary Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy; Erramon Aboitiz, CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation; Naomi Hirose, President of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mamoru Sekiyama, Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the launching of the 420-Megawatt Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday September 11 p(2014). Together with the President, Erramon Aboitiz CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Naomi Hirose President of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mamoru Sekiyama Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the launching of the 420-Megawatt Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday (September 11). Together with the President, Antonio Muraza President of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Jon Ramon Aboitiz Chairman of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Secretary Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy, Erramon Aboitiz CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Naomi Hirose President of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mamoru Sekiyama Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the launching of the 420-Megawatt Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday (September 11). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Rey Baniquet / Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll leads the pressing of the button to start the ceremonial countdown on the target completion date of the 420-Megawatt (MW) Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday (September 11). Together with the President, Jon Ramon Aboitiz Chairman of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Secretary Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy, Erramon Aboitiz CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Naomi Hirose President of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mamoru Sekiyama Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Lauro Montellano, Jr./ Rey Baniquet / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll leads the pressing of the button to start the ceremonial countdown on the target completion date of the 420-Megawatt (MW) Pagbilao lll Power Plant Project at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City, Thursday (September 11). Together with the President, Antonio Muraza President of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Jon Ramon Aboitiz Chairman of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Secretary Jericho Petilla of the Department of Energy, Erramon Aboitiz CEO of Aboitiz Power Corporation, Naomi Hirose President of Tokyo Electric Power Company and Mamoru Sekiyama Vice Chairman of Marubeni Corporation. (Photo by: Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Spain Ambassador Luis Antonio Calvo during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Ambassador Dr. Gamini Samaranayake during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo byBenhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III accepts the credentials of Czech Republic Ambassador Jaroslav Olsa during the presentation of credentials at the President's Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, (September 10). (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10) .The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. ( Photo by Gil Nartea/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacanang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqb hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing are Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing is Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. (Photo by Gil Nartea/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Also in photo are Secretary Teresita Quinto-Deles, Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Speaker of the House Feliciano Belomnte, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Gil Nartea/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech during the turnover ceremony of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Also in photo are Secretary Teresita Quinto-Deles and Chairman Mohagher Iqbal. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the Draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte,Jr and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal and Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte and Senate President Franklin Drilon during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10).The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration.(Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Rey Baniquet/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll witnesses Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman Mohagher Iqbal hand over of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Speaker of the House Feliciano Belmonte, Jr.during the turnover ceremony at Rizal Hall in Malacañan Palace, Wednesday (September 10). The Bangsamoro Basic Law tops the list of priority measures endorsed by the Aquino administration. Witnessing are Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles, Senate President Franklin Drilon and Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa, Jr. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll graces the Asean Business Awards Philippines held at New World Hotel in Makati City,Tuesday (September 9).The Asean Business Awards Philippines aims to recognize outstanding local enterprises and use its platform to spread knowledge about the ASEAN Economic Community. Also in photo is Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman of Asean Business Advisory Council Philippines (Photo by BenhurArcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino lll delivers his speech at the Asean Business Awards Philippines held at New World Hotel in Makati City,Tuesday (September 9).The Asean Business Awards Philippines aims to recognize outstanding local enterprises and use its platform to spread knowledge about the Asean Economic Community. (Photo by Gil Nartea | BenhurArcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the exhibit area upon arrival for the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the Function Hall 3, SMX Convention Center of the SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are, PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the Function Hall 3, SMX Convention Center of the SM Lanang Premier in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are PBSP executive director Rafael Lopa, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo, Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino, PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez, Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program (MIAP) at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business, specifically on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. Also in photo are Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Luwalhati Antonino and PBSP Mindanao Regional Committee chairman Paul Dominguez. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III tours the exhibit area upon arrival for the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) Membership Meeting and launch of Mindanao Inclusive Agribusiness Program at the SMX Convention Center in Lanang, Davao City on Monday (September 08). The event aims to rally PBSP members and other Mindanao companies around the idea of inclusive business on priority industries: coffee, cacao, corn, palm oil and rubber, as well as possible investments in Bangsamoro. (Photo by Lauro Montellano Jr. / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. present the medals and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is: “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is: “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim /  Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr. presents the medals and plaques to the 2014 Asian CSR awardees during the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati Cityon Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by AIM-RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board chairman Dato Paduka Timothy Ong and Board Member Ramon del Rosario, Jr., upon arrival for the 13th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility (AFCSR) at the Rizal Grand Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday night (September 03). The conference theme this year is “Building Resilient Communities: How Business, Government, and Social Enterprises Can Work Together.” The AFCSR is the largest annual conference on corporate social responsibility in the region. It was launched in 2002 by the Asian Institute of Management-Ramon V. del Rosario, Sr. (AIM-RVR) Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the first research centers in Asia concentrating on corporate responsibility issues. (Photo by Ryan Lim /  Robert Viñas / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III huddles with the Foreign Chamber Council of the Philippines (FCCP) officers for a photo souvenir during the oathtaking ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday(September 03). The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Edward Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs, Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice Chairman External Affairs, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade And Commerce, Ram Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman, Philip Chien FCCP Chairman, Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice Chairman-Ways and Means, and Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility, Eddie B H Yeo FCCP Vice Chairman Tresury and Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And Information. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III inducts into office the Foreign Chamber Council of the Philippines (FCCP) officers in a ceremony at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Wednesday (September 03). The set of FCCP officers are (from left) Philip Chien FCCP Chairman, Ram Sitaldas FCCP Executive Vice Chairman,Ferdinand Sarfati FCCP Vice Chairman-Ways and Means, Abdulgani Macatoman FCCP Vice Chairman-Trade And Commerce,Ramesh Genomal FCCP Vice Chairman External Affairs, Edward Ling FCCP Vice Chairman Internal Affairs,Eddie B H Yeo FCCP Vice Chairman Tresury, Michael Lin FCCP Vice Chairman Media And Information and Petteri Makatalo FCCP Vice Chairman Social Responsibility. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan/ Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly appointed government officials in a ceremony held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III administers the oath of office to newly appointed National Peace and Order Council officials in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo is Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. (Photo by Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau / PCOO)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in government officials for a photo souvenir after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Supreme Court Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza. (Photo by Lauro Montellano, Jr. / Marcelino Pascua / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III shares the stage with newly sworn in Commission on Audit (COA) Commissioner Jose Favia for a photo souvenir after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates National Youth Commission (NYC) Commissioner-at-Large Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes III after administering the oath in a ceremony at the Rizal Hall of the Malacañan Palace on Monday (September 01). Also in photo are Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II and TV host/actress Marian Rivera. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the Department of Health (DOH) Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September, 01). With the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Janette Garin. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona and Health Undersecretaries Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, Dr. Janette Garin and Dr. Nemesio Gako. (Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna,” this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo is Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona. (Photo by Ryan Lim / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III witnesses as Health Secretary Dr. Enrique Ona leads the ceremonial “patak” of oral polio vaccine during the Launching of Ligtas sa Tigdas at Polio Mass Immunization Campaign at the DOH Convention Hall in San Lazaro Compound, Sta. Cruz, Manila City on Monday (September 01). With the theme: “Ligtas sa Tigdas: Magkaisa, Magpabakuna," this nationwide campaign is a follow-up to the 2011 Measles Rubella Supplemental Immunization Activity to interrupt current transmission of measles in the country. Also in photo are Health Undersecretary Dr. Janette Garin and Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Enrique Tayag. (Photo by Ryan Lim/ Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau)
			President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates Randy Halasan from the Philippines as being one of the 2014 Ramon Magsaysay awardees during the presentation ceremonies Sunday (August 31) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, Philippines. Established in 1957, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards is Asia's highest honor and is widely regarded as the region's equivalent to the Nobel Prize. (Photo by Gil Nartea / Malacanang Photo Bureau)
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